Audeze has been championing planar magnetic driver technology for many years and the company’s range of headphones has plenty of fans because the sound produced by planar magnetic drivers can be more dynamic and responsive compared to more traditional dynamic driver technology used in most headphones.
We’ll delve into the pros and cons of planar magnetic technology a little later in this review of the latest pair of planar magnetic headphones from Audeze. Designed in collaboration with 17-time Grammy-winning engineer and producer, Manny Marroquin, the all-new MM-100 are an open-back design that uses the latest planar magnetic transducers from Audeze.
The Audeze MM-100 are assembled in the U.S.A. and retail for $399. Based on the company’s hugely successful Audeze MM-500 headphones, which were launched at NAMM 2022, the MM-100 use 90mm planar magnetic drivers. And what’s so special about planar magnetic technology? The technology uses a magnetic field around a conductor with current flowing through that moves the diaphragm which has incredibly thin and flat conductors in it. The big advantage with the technology is lower distortion, a tighter bass. The lower impedance of the drivers also means they work well with a wide range of amplifications sources. Some people also say the soundstage with planar magnetic drivers is better and I think I’d agree with that but it does depend on how good the headphones are.
The planar magnetic drivers offer detailed and precise sound with ultra-low distortion levels. The stiffness of the driver material gives the drivers a faster response and a more dynamic sound. The drivers feature patented waveguides, magnet arrays and diaphragms designed by Audeze.
Fazor Waveguides And Fluxor Magnets
Audeze’s Uniforce diaphragms, Fazor waveguides and Fluxor Magnets provide exceptional sonic clarity and low levels of distortion. Thanks to lower distortion, the MM-100 are much easier to listen or mix with for long periods. With high-distortion headphones, the human brain must work overtime descrambling the distortion which makes listening tiring. If you’ve ever experienced difficulties and tiredness when listening to a pair of headphones, the chances are they have higher levels of distortion.
As well as the premium sound, the new MM-100 are a delight to wear thanks to their lightweight chassis made from magnesium and aluminum and weighing 385g. The oversized and gel-filled leather earpads are luxurious while an adjustable suspension strap and spring-steel headband provide a comfortable fit and should be able to stand up to the rigors of studio life. The headphones can also fold flat, making them easier to transport or store.
To create the MM-100, Audeze worked with Manny Marroquin who has this to say about the project: “I’m so excited to make studio-quality sound available to a broader audience. Everyone working in audio needs a headphone they can rely on, inside or outside the studio.”
Manny is not wrong. A great pair of headphones can bring so much more joy to music. I know from my experience of reviewing countless pairs of headphones that the combination of a great sound, low distortion, easy driving and excellent comfort levels can add up to greatly improved listening and enjoyment of music. The MM-100 strike that happy combination that’s what makes them a joy to use.
To put the Audeze MM-100 through their paces, I used a jazz mix that Tidal had generated for me. I opted for some classic jazz because I wanted to see how the planar magnetic drivers handled acoustic bass. To kick things off, I listened to the Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson album. It was an excellent choice because the pristine recording showcased the breadth of sonic capability of these headphones. In the past, some planar magnetic drivers might have disappointed me with their lightweight bass. Not so here. Not only is the bass plentiful, but it was also beautifully articulated and is well separated from the midrange. The sound is superbly clean but never clinical with a perfect soundstage.
Next up was the Coleman Hawkins Quartet album Today And Now. This is another classic recording from the Hawk and it’s a great way of testing those new drivers with the smooth tenor sax tones and a gentle acoustic bass. The MM-100 didn’t miss a beat. No matter what I listened to with the MM-100, these headphones handled the sound with accuracy and produced a superbly balanced sound that was never dull or unexciting. The MM-100 never strayed into harshness and the treble frequencies are silky smooth which is no wonder when you consider that the frequency range is a very impressive 10Hz – 50kHz.
I used the MM-100 with a range of DACs as well as my trusty old Onkyo Receiver with its Class AB headphone amplifier. Even on this aging piece of kit, the MM-100 headphones sounded sublime. They were also comfortable to wear for long periods. The plush ear cushions didn’t cause my ears to sweat and they made lengthy listening sessions are genuine pleasure.
Detachable Cable Brings Flexibility
One superb feature that I appreciated was the provision of a 3.5mm cable jack on both ear cups. This means you can easily change or upgrade the cable. And although the Audeze MM-100 only uses a single connector, you can choose whether to plug into the left or right ear cup which makes it so flexible. For example, I listen to headphones at night with my hi-fi to my right. I was able to switch the cable from left to right and didn’t have to put up with the cable trailing over me. It’s a clever design. Incidentally, the twisted cable that’s supplied feels high-quality and terminates with a 6.35mm jack plug plus there’s a short adapter cable supplied for connecting to a source with a 3.5mm jack.
Verdict: Audeze struck gold by getting Manny Marroquin to help it with the design of the new MM-100 planar magnetic open headphones. The little touches and the perfect tuning of these headphones make them a genuine joy to use. They feel comfortable and the sound produced is sublime. These are the best planar magnetic headphones I think I’ve ever reviewed. They offer incredible value for money and are an excellent alternative to the superb Sennheiser HD660 S2 dynamic headphones which set the standard at this price point. If you want a precise and clear sound with clearly articulated bass, clear mids, smooth treble and great soundstage, you will love the Audeze MM-100. Add in the comfort levels, great build quality and the fact these are easy-to-drive headphones and you have a bargain that should definitely be on your shortlist. Highly Recommended.
Pricing & Availability: The Audeze MM-100 are available now and priced at $399 / £399 / €399 from Amazon or direct from Audeze.com.
Tech Specs:
- Style: Over-ear (circumaural), open-back.
- Transducer type: Planar Magnetic.
- Transducer size: 90mm.
- Diaphragm type: Ultra-Thin Uniforce.
- Magnetic structure: Fluxor Magnet Array.
- Magnet type: Neodymium N50.
- Phase management: Fazor.
- Frequency response: 10Hz – 50kHz.
- THD: <0.1% (@ 1 kHz, 1mW).
- Earpads: Synthetic leather/gel foam.
- Weight: 385g.
